bridge of weir | Paisley Scotland

The results of the 2019 UK General Election for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, and Paisley and Renfrewshire South constituencies have been declared.

Gavin Newlands has been re-elected as MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North.

Mhairi Black has been re-elected as MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South.

In Paisley and Renfrewshire North, 49,835 votes were cast, a 69.2 per cent turnout.

In Paisley and Renfrewshire South, there were 43,217 votes cast, a 67.1 per cent turnout.

Returning Officer Sandra Black, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Council, announced the results in the early hours of Friday 13 December at the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley.

The election count involved more than 300 staff, counting the contents of 167 ballot boxes and 46 postal ballot boxes.

59 polling places containing 167 stations across Renfrewshire had been open from 7am until 10pm and included various venues such as schools, community centres, churches and a bowling club.

For more information, visit http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/9655/2019-UK-General-Election-Results.

13/12/2019/by Brian McGuire

06/12/2019/by Brian McGuire

NEW Flights launched to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh from Glasgow airport
Expanded programme to the Canaries for winter 2020
10 and 11 night holidays now available to Gran Canaria
NEW hotels launched for winter 2020 and summer 2021 season

2nd DECEMBER, LONDON – TUI, the world’s leading holiday company and the UK’s number one holiday provider, has announced its winter 2020 programme with the addition of new destinations in Egypt, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.

The new flights to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh from Glasgow for winter 2020 are on sale now, with weekly flights to Hurghada operating on a Saturday and flights to Sharm El Sheikh departing on a Wednesday, from 4th November 2020.

TUI have also announced an expanded programme to the Canaries for winter 2020, with the introduction of winter flights to Fuerteventura on a Saturday and additional flights to Tenerife operating on a Sunday. 10 and 11 night holidays to Gran Canaria will now also be available for winter 2020 with the addition of a weekly flight operating every Thursday from Glasgow airport, giving holidaymakers in the region even more flexibility.

RETURNING TO SHARM EL SHEIKH

Famous for the glistening red sea and amazing sandy beaches, customers can expect high quality hotels and the year round sun the region is known for. Four hotels including old favourites along the beautiful Red Sea coast are now on sale, with even more in the pipeline.

The EXCLUSIVE 5T TUI Magic Life Sharm El Sheikh, is an old favourite, loved and enjoyed by customers who previously travelled back year after year. The Magic Life concept resort is picture-perfect, overlooking the Straits of Tiran. There is really something for everyone at from a stylish spa, fitness gym, sporting activities and professional live entertainment. The all-inclusive beach resort has 3 swimming pools plus 4 restaurants offering delicious regional and international cuisine.

The elegant EXCLUSIVE 5T Reef Oasis Blue Bay includes a beautiful private beach, a waterpark and a large outdoor infinity pool perfect for cooling down in the sun and observing the stunning views. The hotel has a fantastic location, not far from the famous Naama Bay. There is so much choice when it comes to eating out – from the onsite Italian restaurant to the pub bar which serves food 24 hours a day.

TUI UK&I’s Director of Aviation Planning, Karen Switzer said: “Earlier this month TUI announced its winter 2020 and summer 2021 holiday programme which has since expanded with more destinations and added flights. We are delighted that the additional flights provide holidaymakers departing from our regional airports with even more choice when deciding where to go away. With additional flying capacity and more than 1,000 hotels already on sale for summer 2021 it gives those planning ahead the opportunity to choose the most suitable airport, destination and hotel.

“The customer is at the heart of everything we do and this additional growth to Egypt and the canaries from Glasgow airport demonstrates our continued commitment for people to discover their smile with us.”

Paul White, Head of Aviation at Glasgow Airport, said: “TUI’s decision to introduce an additional 50,000 seats to the group’s Winter 20 Programme will deliver even greater passenger choice on some of our most popular routes.

“We are really pleased to see the return of services to Hurghada and also Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt following a five-year absence. Both Red Sea-based resorts are ideal winter sun destinations and have always been hugely popular with our customers.

“This latest announcement is very welcome news indeed, particularly as it follows TUI’s decision last month to introduce 170,000 additional seats to its Summer 2020 season.”

04/12/2019/by Brian McGuire

03/12/2019/by Brian McGuire

Thousands descended on Johnstone town centre this weekend as the Christmas lights were switched on in the town.

Johnstone is ready for Christmas

The Pulse FM DJs hosted a main stage in Houstoun Square packed with local entertainment to get everyone in the festive mood.

Santa and his reindeer made an appearance to find out what the children of Johnstone are hoping to find in their stocking this year, and the youngsters were spoilt for choice with a variety of activities run by Active Communities, including face painting and glitter tattoos.

St Vincent’s Hospice hosted a Christmas market with a selection of goodies available for those early Christmas present ideas, and a funfair was on site to keep the thrill seekers busy.

At 5pm, Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron was joined by lucky competition winner, Calum Anderson from St Anthony’s, on stage to push the button and light up Johnstone

Provost Cameron said: “It’s been another fantastic event and I was so pleased to see such a great turn out in Johnstone again this year.

“The town looks brilliant and it was great to have Calum with me to help me push the button and turn on the lights.”

The lights switch-on was organised by Renfrewshire Council as part of its town centre events programme.

This year’s event was recognised as part of Fair Saturday – a global initiative supporting social causes and innovation in communities.

For more information on events in Renfrewshire visit: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

ENDS

02/12/2019/by Brian McGuire

Glasgow Airport has won a prestigious Sword of Honour from the British Safety Council for the third time.

The airport was one of only 84 organisations worldwide to achieve a Sword of Honour, which is awarded to companies that have demonstrated excellence in the management of health and safety risks at work.

In order to compete for the Sword of Honour, organisations had to achieve the maximum five stars in the British Safety Council’s health and safety management audit scheme in the period August 2018 – July 2019.

Each organisation also demonstrated to an independent panel of experts that it had achieved excellence in health and safety management across the business. Glasgow Airport also one the Sword of Honour in 2013 and 2017.

Graeme Robertson, Glasgow Airport’s Health and Safety Manager, said: “We are extremely proud to receive what is now our third sword of honour as the management of the health, safety and wellbeing for our staff and customers is absolutely critical to our operations here at Glasgow Airport.

“We are honoured that our efforts have been recognised once again by the British Safety Council in the form of this prestigious award. This year is even more special for us as we were joined by our sister airport at Aberdeen, which was also successful in gaining the sword of honour.”

Lawrence Waterman, Chairman of the British Safety Council, said: “On behalf of the board of trustees and staff of the British Safety Council I would like to congratulate Glasgow Airport on achieving the very highest standards of health, safety and environmental management. Excellence at this level is very hard won. We are proud to have supported the airport in its achievements.”

Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, added: “I would like to congratulate Glasgow Airport and its staff for their huge commitment to keeping their workplace safe and healthy and minimising risks to the environment from their organisations’ day-to-day activities.

“All of the Sword-winning organisations share a commitment and resolve in achieving the highest standards of health and safety management. We are delighted that they are partners in helping achieve our vision that no-one should be injured or made ill through their work.”

This comes on the back of Glasgow Airport also being awarded the Glasgow Business Award for Healthy and Active Workplace at the Glasgow Business Awards ceremony in October.

27/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Johnstone will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights in the town are switched on this weekend.

Saturday, 30 November, will see Houstoun Square transformed in to a winter wonderland with a variety of entertainment to put everyone in the festive spirit.

johnstone christmas lights

From 12pm, the Pulse FM DJs will host the main stage – set in the Houstoun Square bandstand – with local acts performing live from 2pm.

Santa will be taking a break from his busy schedule to hear what all the children are hoping to find in their stockings this year. You can find him inside his grotto. Don’t forget to say hello to his reindeer friends!

This year’s event takes place on Fair Saturday so if you’re looking to get a head start on your Christmas shopping and support a local cause in the process, then don’t miss the St Vincent’s Hospice market. Active Communities will also be running creative activities including face painting and glitter tattoos until 5pm.

At 5pm, Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron will be joined by lucky competition winner, Calum Anderson from St Anthony’s Primary, on stage to push the button and light up Johnstone for the Christmas period.

Provost Cameron said: “We had two great events in Paisley and Renfrew on the past two weekends. Now it’s Johnstone’s turn and I can’t wait to bring the festivities to the town.

“The town will be buzzing all afternoon with Santa making an appearance and lots of entertainment to keep young and old entertained.“I’m looking forward to turning on the lights with Calum this year and I hope to see you all there for the big moment.”

Research shows around 65p from every pound spent in the local area stays in the local area and Renfrewshire Council are encouraging visitors to the event to take part in the Spend Local campaign and support the wide range of businesses on offer in Johnstone town centre.

For more information on events in Renfrewshire visit: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

25/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Anyone unable to visit a polling station on the day of the election is being reminded to register for a postal vote, with the application deadline arriving at 5pm on Tuesday 26 November.

Once registered, a pack will be sent out on 2 December to allow electors to cast their vote and return it to their local election office in advance of polling day on Thursday 12 December.

Due to the increased volume of mail in the run up to Christmas, postal voters are encouraged to complete and return their postal votes as soon as possible.

If voters cannot send the postal vote in advance, it can be handed in to their polling station on the day of the election.

Sandra Black, Returning Officer for Renfrewshire, said: “If you’re unable to visit your polling station on election day, that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance to vote.

“Register for a postal vote by Tuesday’s deadline and you’ll still be able to have your say in the election.

“Once you receive your voting pack, please return it as quickly as you can to ensure it reaches the election office in sufficient time.”

To vote in the election, residents must be registered on the electoral roll and this does not take place automatically by paying council tax.

Anyone over the age of 14 in Scotland can register but to vote in this election, voters must be over 18 and a UK Citizen.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Tuesday 26 November.

Voters can also request a proxy vote – where a person votes on their behalf – and the deadline for this method is 5pm on Wednesday 4 December.

For more information on the election, please visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/GeneralElection2019.

25/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Thousands turned out for an afternoon full of festive cheer as the Renfrew Christmas lights were switched on this weekend.

There was fun for all the family with entertainment put on in the town centre designed to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

Renfrew Xmas Lights

Santa took a break from his busy schedule to hear what the children in Renfrew had on their lists in advance of the big day and there was plenty of opportunity to get the perfect photo with Rudolph and friends.

There was something for even the littlest elf with puppet shows, face painting and a balloon artist in the town hall, and funfair rides in the Charles Avenue car park for the thrill seekers willing to brave the cold.

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without carols and the Renfrew Burgh Band delighted audiences with all the favourites during their annual carol concert.

Later in the afternoon, the main stage in the town centre – hosted by Pulse FM – saw local artists showcase their talents before the big switch on arrived at 5pm.

Renfrewshire’s Depute Provost Cathy McEwan was joined by lucky competition winner, Mairead Campbell, age 9, from St James’ Primary, to turn on the lights and set off the spectacular fireworks display above Renfrew Town Hall.

She said: “I was delighted to see so many people in Renfrew this weekend.

“Everyone was having a great time and the fireworks to finish the event were incredible.

“Mairead did a great job helping me switch on the lights and I hope she had a brilliant day out with her family.”

For more information on events in Renfrewshire visit: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

25/11/2019/by Brian McGuire